What Motorhome December/January 2023

The process started months ago, soon after the announcement of the return of our much-missed Motorhome Awards and the launch of the first-ever Campervan Awards, both in association with leading consumer finance provider, Creation. Along with colleagues, Rachel Stothert (Deputy Editor of our sister mag, MMM) and Geneve Brand (Editor of Campervan) – see photo above – we compiled shortlists of vehicles that might be in contention. Then, the summer trade launches began and those lists grew. Along came the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf and more models were added, while (back in Blighty) we invited dozens of campervan converters to show us their latest wares at a special two-day awards preview event. By now, the list required the length of paperwork best known to an Andrex puppy… We finally, after…

New Ford Transit Custom makes its debut An all-new version of Europe’s best-selling van, the Ford Transit Custom, was shown for the very first time at the IAA Transportation Show in Hannover, Germany. The new van features next-generation battery technology to enable a targeted range of 236 miles and 125kW fast charging ability for the fully electric model, while, as part of the most comprehensive Transit Custom range ever, customers will also be able to choose an allnew Plug-In Hybrid version that offers petrol power for extended motorway trips. The new powertrain is similar to that used by the Ford Kuga Plug-In Hybrid – Europe’s topselling PHEV in 2021 – and combines a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a 11.8kWh battery to deliver a targeted pure electric driving range of…

FACT FILE BASE VEHICLE Peugeot Boxer PRICE FROM £72,100 BERTHS 4 TRAVEL SEATS 4 LENGTH 6.61m WIDTH 2.19m HEIGHT 2.80m GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg PAYLOAD 630kg THE CJ660 is the star of Itineo’s compact range, which was new for the 2022 season. It is built on a 3,500kg Peugeot Boxer chassis, although a switch to the sister Fiat is possible if you need an automatic. Unlike many motorhomes at this maximum weight, however, it has a very respectable payload – so you really can load up its garage, or travel en famille. Another key difference is the Itineo’s slim 2.19m width and a short drive is all it takes to appreciate the benefit of that. It doesn’t feel like a big ’van and the big bus-style mirrors and a reversing camera (part…

FACT FILE BASE VEHICLE Peugeot Boxer PRICE FROM £72,400 BERTHS 3/4 TRAVEL SEATS 4 LENGTH 7.49m WIDTH 2.35m HEIGHT 2.95m GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg PAYLOAD 455kg SOME motorhomes just feel ‘right’ when you walk in, and so it is with this Rapido. The layout can be found in other ranges from numerous other brands but the design, spec and pricing hit the nail firmly on the head in this 696F. It comes only in new Ultimate Line trim, which gives it a dash of unique styling and extra spec to differentiate it from lesser Rapidos. That includes Truma Combi 6 EH gas/electric heating and a heated waste water tank. Externally, you can recognise an Ultimate Line model by a new design for the graphics, while the cab can be ordered in Lanzarote…

WATCH THE VIDEO motorhome.ma/review238 FACT FILE BASE VEHICLE Fiat Ducato PRICE FROM £75,900 BERTHS 4 TRAVEL SEATS 4 LENGTH 6.99m WIDTH 2.30m HEIGHT 2.88m GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg (3,650kg option) PAYLOAD 485kg THERE’S still a lot of love out there amongst British motorhomers for rear lounge layouts, but what if you could combine that generous seating zone aft with instant sleeping quarters come bedtime, avoiding all the faff of moving cushions around? Well, that’s exactly the recipe offered by this high-spec lowprofile model from French maker, Pilote. Up front, it’s no surprise to see a Fiat cab, but you’ll be impressed by the spec that’s included as standard – Évidence models come with all the toys, with no further options available. So, it has a 140bhp motor and automatic transmission, a Pioneer…

FACT FILE BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit PRICE FROM £58,628 BERTHS 2/4 TRAVEL SEATS 2/4 LENGTH 5.99m WIDTH 2.35m HEIGHT 2.88m GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg PAYLOAD 710kg THE F-Line is Auto-Trail’s only Ford-based range and it contains two of its smallest coachbuilts, including this F60. Like the bigger models in the range, this is a low-profile with an overcab sunroof, plus (more unusually) a choice of five cab colours. Standard power unit is a 130PS motor, which is more than adequate for a motorhome that’s under 6m in length. In fact, the compact size is a big part of the appeal here, especially as it results in really surefooted handling in combination with Ford’s motorhome chassis with wide rear track and the F60’s ultra-short rear overhang. You’ll have no worries about exceeding…